By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska LEAD Program celebrates the graduation of Class 43 Fellows at the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet held on March 13 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. The event marks the completion of a two-year leadership development program designed to prepare future leaders in agriculture.
During the banquet, Fellows share their experiences and key lessons from the program. A special message from former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is presented through a recorded video. The event also recognizes Nebraska LEAD Class 14, celebrating 30 years since its graduation.
Dr. Randy Bertolas received the “Allen G. Blezek Friend of LEAD Award” for his long-term support of agricultural leadership. He serves as chair of the history, politics, and geography department at Wayne State College and has contributed to the Global Perspectives seminar for over 25 years.
“I’m truly proud to have worked alongside this group of emerging leaders in Nebraska” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Class 43 has shown exceptional leadership promise, and I’m confident they will leave a meaningful and lasting mark on agriculture, Nebraska and beyond.”
The graduates of Class 43 include Lucy Kimball (Callaway), Troy Kane (Carleton), Payton Schaneman (Denton), Amy Warner (Edison), Neleigh Gehl (Ericson), Chandler Maly (Fremont), McKinley Harm (Gothenburg), Brennan Costello (Gretna), Lily Ziehmer (Hastings), Austin Weyers (Hay Springs), Tyler Morton (Howells), Eric Wemhoff (Humphrey), Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor Spath (Kearney), Luke Baldridge and Sally Welsh (Lincoln), Spencer Shifflet (Long Pine), Cale Harrington (Loup City), Courtney Nelson (Monroe), Jared Stauffer (Milford), Austin Kniss (Minatare), Kyle Phillips (Mullen), Sophia Svanda (Nehawka), Jake Judge (Norfolk), Ben Edwards (Ord), Anthony Mestl (Osceola), John Sullivan (Superior), Jacobi Swanson (Wahoo), and Bobby Reifenrath (Wayne).
Each Fellow receives a digital badge from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, recognizing their leadership training and global learning experience.
The Nebraska LEAD Program now has over 1,200 alumni who serve in leadership roles across agriculture, business, and policy. The program continues to support future leaders through training, travel seminars, and educational opportunities. Applications for the next class is open until June 15.
Photo Credit: nebraska–lincoln-university
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General